Envelope update

Severe disruption: M5 Somerset southbound

M5 Somerset - One lane closed and queuing traffic on M5 southbound between J20, B3133 (Clevedon) and J21, A370 (Weston-Super-Mare), because of a broken down vehicle. Congestion to J19, A369 (Portishead).

Endangers tree kangaroos at Bristol Zoo

A new exhibit showcasing an endangered species of tree
kangaroo opens to the public at Bristol Zoo tomorrow.

It is hoped that the pair, called Kitawa and Mian, will breed to sustain
their species.

The marsupials are native
to Papua New Guinea and have adapted to life in the
trees.

It is the first time Bristol Zoo
Gardens has had Goodfellow’s tree kangaroos in its 181 year history.

Bristol ZooCopyright: Bristol Zoo

Quote Message: Tree-kangaroos are solitary animals so they will only join each other when they show signs of wanting to mate. We hope this pair will welcome some babies of their very own to help boost numbers of this rare species in captivity. from Lynsey Bugg Curator of mammals at Bristol Zoo

Tree-kangaroos are solitary animals so they will only join each other when they show signs of wanting to mate. We hope this pair will welcome some babies of their very own to help boost numbers of this rare species in captivity.

Somerset's Strawberry Line cycle route to reopen

A popular cycle route in Somerset which was closed to allow a water mains upgrade to be carried out reopens later.

Bristol Water has installed a new pipe along a section of the Strawberry Line between Barrow Gurney and Cheddar.

The reopening was delayed as work on the £27m project was disrupted due to poor weather and roosting bats.

Visitors using the Winscombe section will also benefit from a new surface in the Shuteshelve Tunnel, along with new reflective white lining and cats eyes.

Quote Message: We appreciate that Bristol Water has faced some unforeseen difficulties during their works, but we are pleased there will eventually be improved facilities for people using the Strawberry Line. from Councillor Peter Bryant North Somerset Council

We appreciate that Bristol Water has faced some unforeseen difficulties during their works, but we are pleased there will eventually be improved facilities for people using the Strawberry Line.

Jim Booth's family condemn 'brutal and cowardly attack'

Jim Booth on board the HMS Imersay in Malta in 1947/48Image caption: Jim Booth on board the HMS Imersay in Malta in 1947/48

The man who attacked 96-year-old Jim Booth with a hammer was sentenced to 20 years in prison today.

In a statement Mr Booth's family said:

"Our father is an honourable, gentle,
compassionate and generous person. He is the head of the family, a dearly loved
father to his four children, and adored by his grandchildren and great
grandchildren, to whom he’s known simply as ‘The Legend’.

"On November 22nd last year,
a light was shone on the very best and worst of humankind, when our father was
subjected to a brutal and cowardly attack inside his home. Miraculously, though
left for dead, and against all odds, he survived.

"In the very difficult six months since,
our father has shown extraordinary courage and determination as he’s battled
with the pain and long-term effects of the injuries. He is truly inspirational.

"Characteristically, he worries about
the impact of his attack on us, his family. We are all devastated and deeply
shaken.

"The memory of first seeing him in hospital immediately after the attack
will stay with us forever. We share the revulsion and incomprehension expressed
by the hundreds of people who kindly sent their best wishes and offered support.

"We are grateful to everyone who has
helped our father; the staff at Musgrove Park Hospital; Avon and Somerset
Police; Senior Crown Advocate Rachel Drake; friends and neighbours; members of
the submariners’ community and complete strangers whose kindness has been
extraordinary.

"Our father is, and always will
be, our own family hero, our ‘Captain
of the Gate’ and we are immensely proud of him every day. His faithful heart continues
to beat at the core of our family. Soon to celebrate his 97th
birthday, he remains unbowed,
an unconquerable soul,
and we look forward to many more happy and memorable times spent together."